Backcountry Bliss

October is the time of year where everything seems to be in transition. Our summer in the Vail Valley has officially come to end. The days are shorter and cooler and we know that winter could make its appearance at anytime. Out at the stables we have been finishing up the season's trails rides and the elk herd has begun to return to the Squaw Creek Valley. 

This is also the time of year where we are thinking ahead...way ahead to summer 2016 for our signature backcountry horse back ride from Vail to Aspen. The 55 mile experience is like no other, spending 4 days and 3 nights in the White River National Forest. For summer 2016 we are offering a new one of kind adventure- and making one week of this excursion 5 days, allowing for an extra day at the guest ranch!

By popular demand we will offer the 5 day backcountry experience August 23-28. The additional day at the Diamond J guest ranch will allow you to relax and enjoy a variety of activities. Fly fish the Frying Pan River just outside of Aspen. The fly fishing here is some of the best in the world, with gold medal waters, boasting some of the most beautiful Colorado trout varieties you will ever have the chance to land. 

Frying Pan River Fly Fishing 

Yoga is another great option to stretch out those sore muscles from the ride. There is no better way to get in touch with the beautiful nature surroundings than with some deep breathing and mindful awareness of the awe and beauty that the backcountry surrounds you.

Yoga

Paint the world beautiful! Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words, and we will provide you with the canvass to express your experience with the paint brush. Professional instruction will be available, and with the Colorado Rockies as your back drop it should not be any problem to find inspiration.

Lastly massage therapy will be available. I have a feeling just about everyone on the trip will be happy to  relax to the sounds of the river and the breeze through the trees as the massage therapist works out all those knots. Relax and let go...

There is available space on our Vail to Aspen backcountry rides including the special 5 day retreat. For more information please visit our website:Vail to Aspen with Bearcat Stables or email insummer@vail.net 

Holiday Parties

HOLIDAY PARTIES AT

BEARCAT'S CABIN

A snowy sleigh ride through the woods, savory cuisine, and celebrating with your favorite people. Bearcat's Cabin, the Vail Valley's most authentic dining experience is available to you exclusively. 

Perfect for holiday parties, birthday celebrations, company parties, ski club outings, rehearsal dinners, and more! Private parties are available from December to March at Bearcat's Cabin. Come and see why this is the Vail Valley's most exciting and unique venue to host your next event. 

Space in the cabin is limited, groups under 40 guests will be best accommodated with us! 

Looking Forward to Fall

Bearcat Stables  We have the best seat in the Valley  to view the fall colors  Open thru October 2015

We have had a wonderful summer season, thank you to everyone that came out and took a horseback ride with us. If you didn't have a chance to join us for a ride yet, there is still time. We will be open thru October! The fall is a spectacular time to get in the saddle. The elk return from their summer grazing grounds higher up in the mountains to enjoy the lush meadows in the Squaw Creek Valley, and the Aspen trees will be firing off their brilliant colors in just a few weeks. Our Tuesday Night Chuck Wagon Dinners wrapped up August 25th. If you are looking to host a  dinner, group ride or event with us during the fall season please contact Jill in group sales. Groups of any size are welcome groupsales@bearcatstables.com or 970.376.3591    Vail to Aspen backcountry excursions for the 2015 summer season will be completed this Friday August 28th! We had another amazing summer with new and old faces that came to experience the ride of a lifetime. We will be taking reservations for the Vail to Aspen trips for 2016 starting in September. Call us today for more information 970.926.1578 info@bearcatstables.com

Backcountry Rides by Bearcat Stables

Backcountry Horseback Riding 

The Colorado wildflower season is in full bloom, and one of the most spectacular ways to see all of the colors is on one of Bearcat Stables Backcountry Rides. Offering 3 and 4 hour backcountry rides daily leaving from the trail head at Big Park into the White River National Forest. 

The backcountry rides are great for those with intermediate to advance riding skills. Three hour backcountry excursions leave twice daily offering two experience. Big views and lush meadows are perfect for morning adventures and our afternoon outing will take you along Squaw Creek Valley, crossing the creek several times and winding through the cool shaded forests. Our 4 hour ride includes a gourmet lunch to be enjoyed in a wildflower covered meadow with views that are guaranteed to take your breath away. 

Can't get enough of the backcountry from the saddle. Bearcat Stables signature backcountry excursion is a four day and 3 night epic adventure. Leaving from the Vail Valley spend your nights in the 10th Mountain Division Huts and a private guest ranch while you make your way 55 miles to Aspen. Gourmet dinners are provided each evening and before you head out in the morning a delicious skillet breakfast will be prepared by our chef. Summer 2015 is full for the Vail to Aspen ride but summer 2016 reservations will open in September.

Family Fun in the Vail Valley

HORSEBACK RIDING IN THE VAIL VALLEY

at Bearcat Stables

"It's not just a trail ride, it's an adventure"

Sunny days, crisp mountain air, and exciting adventures greet us each day in the Vail Valley. Our hearts are captured instantly by the thrills, the breathtaking views, the quiet, the relaxed attitude, and the memories we make with our loved ones. 

Bearcat Stables is home to the Vail Valley's premier horseback riding outfitter. Rides are fun and exciting for the whole family at any level of experience.  First timers will fall in love with gentle ride and breathtaking views of Gore Range's snow covered peaks. Our backcountry ride is perfect to get lost in your thoughts as you stroll along Squaw Creek in the White River National Forest. 

Tuesday Night Extravaganza 

Horseback riding not for you? Join us at the stables for a chuck wagon dinner every Tuesday night starting June 23rd thru August! Families with all ages are welcome to enjoy our authentic Colorado homestead in the heart of the Vail Valley. A true western style BBQ is cooked up, live music, and plenty of games for all to enjoy.

Private Parties

Private dining experiences are perfect for families and groups looking to have an intimate dinner. Bearcat's Cabin and backyard are available to host small groups. Private chefs are available to cater to your every wish. Whether you are looking to have a laid back family style affair or 5 course culinary delight and wine pairing, Bearcat's Cabin will provide the perfect setting for any private dining experience.

Summer Events at Bearcat Stables

Summer Events at Bearcat Stables 

Searching for some good old fashioned family fun on a Tuesday night? Looking to stretch out the weekend just a little bit longer? Bearcat Stables has great events happening all summer long! Our events are always family friendly, and we always encourage you to get out for a trail ride. Free pony rides for the young buckaroos are always available at all of our summer events. We can't wait to see you there!

 Tuesday Night Extravaganza (June-September)

Every Tuesday Night starting in June join us for a night at the ranch. We will be cooking up a western fare Chuck Wagon Dinner, with all the fixin's and lots of cornbread! Start the evening off with a sunset horseback ride out to Bellyache Ridge. 1-2 hour rides are available before each Tuesday Night Extravaganza, and we offer complimentary pony rides for the little ones that can't reach the stirrups yet! Enjoy live music, s'mores by the fire, and plenty of yard games. A fun night out with the entire family!

**Reservations for horseback riding required, click for more info.

Sunday Funday! Starting Sunday's in June 2015

Who doesn't want to enjoy the Colorado sunshine on a Sunday afternoon. Laid back and casual each Sunday afternoon we will be grillin up burgers (veggie burgers available), and brats, pouring cold Crazy Mountain Brewery beers, and boogieing down to live music. Grab your buds and come on out to the ranch.  Enjoy a few rounds of horseshoes, soak up the summer sunshine, and relax, it's still the weekend!!!

**Reservations for horseback riding required, click for more info.

                                                   

June 9- Summer Event Open House

Bearcat Stables will be hosting an open house to show off our new pavilion and event venue. This event is free and open to hospitality professionals, wedding and event planners, DMC's and concierge. To RSVP or get more information please call our Event Sales Director Jill Ragaller, 970-376-3591 or email groupsales@bearcatstables.com 

July 26- Summer Brunch for the Horses 

Bearcat Stables proudly supports the Mountain Valley Horse Rescue, and we will be hosting their annual Summer Brunch for the Horses at the stables. Please join us and support the MVHR. Tickets to the event are $25/per person, and brunch is included. Bearcat Stables will be offering horseback rides all day, and 10% of proceeds will be donated to the MVHR!!! 

**Reservations for horseback riding required, click for more info.

Looking to host an event and need a venue? Bearcat Stables as a great rental venue with an authentic western vibe! We welcome you to connect with us today to discuss your next event at Bearcat Stables. groupsales@bearcatstables.com 

Wedding Carriage Rides- Beaver Creek and Vail

 Carriage Rides

~Vail ~ Beaver Creek ~ Colorado

Take your first moments as husband and wife in an open horse drawn carriage ride. Bearcat Stables offers carriage rides from the Vail and Beaver Creek Chapels in the Vail Valley.  We provide a skilled and professional driver and two of our beautiful Percheron horses. 

 

Perfect for weddings, quinceaneras, anniversaries, romantic engagement proposals, or just because you love someone.

One hour minimum- starting at $600/hr

Delivery of horses and carriage to approved venue

Available in Vail/Beaver Creek Village areas

For more information visit our website

or call 970-376-3591

Trail Riding 101: Part 1- The Cowboy Hat

Here in the Vail Valley we get visitors from all over the world looking for an authentic 'Wild West' experience when they come to visit us at the Stables. Of course we are happy to oblige and share with our visitors and guests the 'Cowboy Experience'. Our Trail Riding 101 series will get you out on the trail ready for your adventure in comfort, style and preparedness (you just never know when its gonna rain in Colorado). 

The Cowboy Hat

The cowboy hat is big business in the world of cowboys. Your hat is statement of YOU, whether it is used for function or fashion. From the color you pick to the brim style you ride with, its all about you. That is the beauty of the Cowboy Hat, each and everyone is different. Here are a few helpful tips to get you matched up with your Cowboy Hat.

Felt or Straw? Felt hats have been booming since John Stenson started manufacturing felt hats back in the 1860's, Stenson is considered the modern inventor of the cowboy hat. Felt hats were more commonly used in the winter time to help keep your head warmer and dryer, but now felt hats are seen and used all year round. They come in a variety of colors too, black, beige and brown are the most popular, but if fashion is more your thing there is a hat color out there for you!

Straw hats were considered summer hats, they are lighter and breathe a little easier. Straw hat quality is determined by the tightness of the weave. Again straw hats come in a variety of neutral colors from beige to brown, but dyed straw hats are easy to find. Felt or straw is up to you, or get one of each to start your collection. 

Brim styles are plentiful, but most commonly brims are more narrow in the front and widen out towards the back. Some like to opt for the flat brim, presumably offering the best sun protection, and some hats the brim bends all the way up, maybe for the ladies to show off their big earrings. Whatever style you choose, there really is no wrong way to go, just keep the sides even or you're likely to hear "that's one ugly hat".  

When buying a hat they often need to be shaped, but you can find them already shaped for you. Shaping your style is as easy as steaming the hat and gently bending the brim until your desired shape is achieved. Here are a few ideas on brim and hat shapes

Decor, hat decor is easily the best way to show off your personality. There are tens of thousands of different hat bands and accessories out there. Bands range from simple leather bands that wrap around the crown of the hat to intricate pieces that have gems, beads, buckles, and feathers. Choose a band that is a reflection of you. You can always change out your band for a new look if you are going from the trail to a party in the same day. 

We recommend everyone bring out their hat, and show off your style when you come out to trail ride, or celebrate an event with Bearcat Stables. 

Rehearsal Dinner

The traditional rehearsal dinner has followed the wedding rehearsal, and is typically hosted by the grooms family. During this time family would be able to meet and socialize prior to the main event. These days the traditional wedding party only rehearsal dinner is a thing of the past. Instead we are seeing our brides and grooms choosing to include everyone coming to the wedding.

When planning a wedding, especially a destination wedding, like so many weddings are here in the Vail Valley, you have to plan on giving your guests time to get to know each other. The bride and grooms friends get to meet each other, lets be honest these are the friends that are going help get your dance floor rolling on the big day, it helps when they have had a conversation beforehand.

Some tips on how to make your rehearsal dinner a great party:

Keep it casual people feel like they are on vacation at a destination wedding, let them enjoy a few days off work, and a weekend away from their ordinary. Strict timelines, and having everyone pose for 10 different group shots should be saved for the day of.


Be original- no better place than Bearcat Stables, this is the  'authentic Colorado' experience people dream of.  Your guests might not remember what exact flowers were in the bouquets, but they will remember the great time they had at your rehearsal dinner, getting to meet your fan club. And don't forget to bring in your own personalities- specialty drinks, party favors, decor...this will help tell your story.

A rehearsal dinner doesn't need to be an entire day affair, that's what the wedding day is for. Keep it short, 3-4 hours is perfect, and allows everyone to meet, greet and be merry. There are so many great activities to experience here in the Vail Valley make sure your guests have an opportunity to trail ride, go rafting, hiking or play golf during the day.

Don't booze too hard you and your groom have a whole weekend of drinks with family and friends. The last thing you need is bags under your eyes, and a headache like your 21st birthday, when that shot try comes around, dont be afraid to decline and let Uncle Ned take one for the team, again.

Guests of rehearsal dinners and weddings receive 10% off trail riding. Call us today for availability for your rehearsal dinner to be remembered Forever and Always.
                                    

Vail to Aspen horseback ride

       

Bearcat Stables Vail to Aspen horseback ride

~3starry nights, breathtaking views, unforgettable~

now booking july and august 2015

Grand views, culinary delights, you, your friends, and the horses. Explore the back-country of the Colorado Rockies from the saddle. Our guides will lead you from our stables in the Vail Valley over the  snow capped mountain peaks and wildflower covered meadows to Aspen.

Stay at the historical 10th Mountain Division huts and a guest ranch along the way. This one of a kind experience has limited space and reservations are required. Please call 970-926-1578 to reserve your space today. For additional information please visit our website or watch our video on YouTube.

Featured in Food and Wine Magazine

 

Apres and Sleigh at Bearcat's Cabin

Apres ski is one of the most exciting parts of a ski vacation here in the resort towns of Vail and Beaver Creek. You get to hang out with friends and family and re-live the day on the mountain with a few cold ones in hand. This is all great, in fact its awesome, but then you realize you have your kids with you. They don't have much of an interest sitting at a bar waiting until they can do something fun too. They want to be part of the action but they have to wait until they're 21 to get the full effect of just how great the Apres really is. For those of you looking for something a little different to do, or you didn't come to the Vail Valley to ski at all then Bearcat has just what you are looking for in an Apres venue. Its more than Apres its an experience...

Kids love it- a sleigh ride with real horses! Hot chocolate, apple cider and s'mores by the fire- now this is just what they were hoping for. And don't worry mom and dad, we offer a full bar and have an extensive wine list, with glasses of wine and specialty cocktails starting at only $7. Families can enjoy an activity together, outside, and it doesn't get more authentic Colorado than a cozy cabin, a fire pit, a little bit of Colorado history and horse-drawn sleigh ride...

Come check us out. Taking reservations Tuesday- Saturday 3-4.30pm

Forever & Always

Your beau has just popped the question (FINALLY!!) and you said "YES!" Now the hard questions are getting asked- by everyone you have ever met! Where are you getting married? When? Who's in the wedding party? What style dress? How many guests?... Once you decide where the exchange of vows will be happening the rest will start to fall into place. For those of you seeking a Colorado mountain wedding Bearcat Stables offers one the Vail Valley's most unique and exciting settings. The snow-capped peaks and flowery meadows of summer surround us, the aspen forest in the autumn is beyond breathtaking, and our snow covered fields offer a magical winter white storybook wedding.

Bearcat Stables wedding venue 

We welcome you to connect with us and together we can explore how Bearcat Stables might be just the Vail wedding venue that you are looking for to host your special event in the Colorado mountains.

A wedding celebration at Bearcat Stables will be remembered Forever & Always!